Latin name

Acanthopagrus berda

Other name

Sly bream, picnic seabream, black sea bream, black porgy, picky bream, silver bream or river bream.

Identification

The goldsilk seabream has a relatively deep and compressed body, with a depth of 2.4-2.6 times its standard length. 

This species differs from all its congeners by the following features: the number of scale rows between the base of the fifth dorsal fin and the lateral line is 3.5; the anterior edge of the dorsal scale area on the head is slightly convex, with small scales (less than 20) in front; the scales of the lateral line are porous, 42-44; the second anal fin spine (2A) is longer than the third anal fin spine (3A), the ratio 2A/3A is 1. 23-1.50 (mean 1.36); strongly curved concavity on ventral margin of first two suborbital bones above posterior end of maxilla, especially noticeable in individuals of standard length over 13 cm; scales on preopercle flange absent; webbing of anal fin dark; molars strongly developed along both jaws, rows of teeth strongly curved laterally behind lower jaw.

Features of fish fins

Dorsal spines (total): 11 - 12; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10 - 13; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 8 - 9. 

The dorsal fin is supported by 11 or 12 spines, while the anal fin has 3 spines, with the second spine longer than the third, and 8 or 9 soft rays. 

Fish colouring

The upper body is dark olive brown, becoming very black when stressed or excited, the underside is much lighter with metallic tones.

Distribution

Widespread in the Indian Ocean. It is found along the east coast of Africa from Egypt, Israel and Jordan southwards to the Eastern Cape of South Africa and Madagascar, eastwards along the Asian coast to peninsular Malaysia, Singapore and Sumatra. 

Habitat

A tropical marine benthic oceanodromous species that prefers brackish waters. There are freshwater records from South Africa, but these are unconfirmed, although the species has been found in freshwater in Madagascar, and records from the Persian Gulf are thought to be a misidentification of A. randalli. 

Size

Maximum published total length for this species is 90 cm, although 35 cm is more typical. Maximum reported weight: 3.2 kg. Maximum reported age: 14 years. 

Behavior

Goldsilk seabream inhabit estuaries and are found in areas of sand and silt up to 50m deep. Juveniles and adults inhabit sheltered bays and estuaries.

Food and feeding habits

A predatory species with just over half of its recorded prey being crustaceans, mainly crabs and clams, but also bivalves, mussels of the genus Modiolus and oysters. Fish, cuttlefish and vegetables have also been recorded as food.

Reproduction

This species is a protandric hermaphrodite, with functional males being most common in the smaller size classes. Adults are oviparous but can be functionally male or female during spawning. The spawning season of this fish is from August to December off the coast of Kerala.

Fishing

A popular species with recreational fishermen, it is not subject to heavy fishing pressure. It is harvested by artisanal fishermen in India.

Relationship with a person

Harmless. The meat of these fish has an excellent flavour and is sold fresh in the markets.